’09 Free Agents: Injury Discounts

Last winter we saw many free agents sign at a discount following injury-plagued seasons: Milton Bradley, Randy Wolf, Kerry Wood, Jason Jennings, Matt Clement, Bartolo Colon, and Mark Prior are examples. Let’s take a look at members of the ’09 free agent class who might be signed at similar discounts.

Nomar Garciaparra, IF. Nomar has been a respectable hitter in 114 plate appearances this year. He’s dealt with a knee sprain, calf strain, and broken hand while earning $8.5MM.

Orlando Hudson, 2B. Though Hudson will miss almost two months with a broken wrist, not much of a discount is expected. He should get more than $10MM per year.

Rafael Furcal, SS. Furcal is an interesting case – easily the best available shortstop, but he only managed one torrid month before hitting the DL with a back injury. He prefers to re-sign with the Dodgers before other teams have a shot at convincing him otherwise.

Hank Blalock, 1B/3B. Blalock will hit the market if the Rangers buy out his $6.2MM option. He’s had shoulder, hand, wrist, back, and hamstring problems this year. He had shoulder surgery back in October of ’06.

Joe Crede, 3B. He was off to a decent start, but hasn’t played since July 21st due to back stiffness. The Boras client had back surgery in June of last year.

Rocco Baldelli, OF. Baldelli’s options were declined, so he’ll be a free agent after the season. He’s dealing with a mitochondrial disorder.

Frank Thomas, DH. Thomas missed all of June and July with a quad injury, and so far hasn’t rediscovered his May form. No word on whether he’s mulling retirement.

There’s a group of starters who have pitched very little this year: Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, Kris Benson, Matt Clement, Jason Jennings, Mark Mulder, Carl Pavano, and Mark Prior. These eight pitchers were paid a total of $25MM for 62 big league innings. They’ll all be signing cheaply for ’09.